Burlington, NC-- With Independence Day falling on a Wednesday this year, you have a choice when you want to celebrate. A Midweek July 4th makes for two holiday weekends and a boost in business.
You can consider this past weekend round one for travelers, motorists, shoppers, and vacationers.
Tom Crosby, Vice President of Communications for AAA Carolinas told News 2, "With July 4th on a Wednesday, we end up with two July 4th weekends, they're book ends."
According to AAA Carolinas, more than one million North Carolinians are expected to travel for the July 4th holiday, an increase of 5% over last year. It's a number we haven't reached since a similar calendar year.
"The last time we had this many people traveling was in 2007 when it was also July 4th on a Wednesday," explained Crosby.
It's not just a good thing for businesses, but travelers too with less congested roads. A midweek July 4th means some will combine their holiday with Monday and Tuesday (July 2nd and 3rd), others on Thursday and Friday (July 5th and 6th).
And retailers and restaurants at the Alamance Crossing in Burlington welcome the business.
"I couldn't find a parking spot, it's been crazy in here," said Jaime Greenamyer, a bartender at Brixx Pizza in the Alamance Crossing shopping plaza.
Jaime is working both holiday weekends and she welcomes the extra crowds, bringing more people and more tips.
"So far it's great, I mean, we've been really busy, busiest weekend probably of the summer yet. That'd be awesome if it's exactly the same next weekend," Jaime told News 2.
However, not everyone is a fan of the midweek Independence Day, like Lisa Rodgers, a postal worker.
"I think it probably would have been better on a weekend so you could make it longer and you could do more things but having to work the day before and the day after, you really can't do much."
Lisa may have to wait a few years for her perfect July 4th, but for people who have travel plans or could use the extra money, it's a thumbs up.
"People have more opportunity to shop, with gas prices going down it's a win-win all the way around," said Tom Crosby.
AAA Carolinas also told News 2 that this July 4th holiday is unique for another reason. The current heat wave has brought a 30% increase in roadside calls than normal for a holiday weekend. Most calls are related to tire or battery failure caused by heat. AAA Carolinas reported that if it's 90 degrees outside, it can be around 140 degrees or hotter in your engine compartment. They suggest getting your car checked out before leaving on a long trip for the holiday.
If you're getting ready to take that road trip, click on this link: www.fuelcostcalculator.com to budget in your expected gas costs.
WFMY News 2, AAA Carolinas